The difference between passing and failing can very often be all about what you can remember - not what you know. As a result, the focus on being able to remember lots of information is absolutely crucial to your success.
But how many students actually take the time to understand how their memory works? We'd all love a brilliant memory but we spend very little time (if any) using the techniques that make this possible. Don't you ever wonder why you can remember lots of seemingly useless information but when it comes time to recall all that information you learnt in science class during the year you can't remember a thing?
The reality is that our memory is perfect in design and it operates exactly as it should. The real issue is that we don't spend any time getting to know our memory and finding out what we can do to help it remember with precision.
For one reason or another, we all seem to think that by constantly repeating information to ourselves we will imprint the information into our memory. This works occasionally, but it's clearly not the best approach and it usually indicates that we don't understand our memory at all.
Accessing the amazing power of your memory is about understanding how it works and then using that information to ensure you can remember whatever you want to remember.
In this article we are going to look at one of many possible approaches you can use to improve your memory recall. It's called the "What's in it for me" approach. This approach tells us that the more you can tie something to yourself, the better you will be able to remember it.
It's a simple idea with a simple execution. Your memory will create more memory traces, which in turn increases your memory recall, when it knows that what you are trying to remember is important to you in some way. And how does it know that? Well, it's when it's all about you.
The fact is, if something seems important to you personally, you will be more likely to remember it - and you'll also remember it more vividly and in far greater detail.
It makes sense doesn't it? You remember things that impact you. You remember to buy a ticket to see that band you like. You remember the number of the bus you need to catch today. You remember the names of those people whose names you wouldn't dare forget. You remember exactly what that girl or guy you like said to you the first time you met. The point is, when it impacts you and it's important to you, you remember it.
This recall doesn't happen consciously - it all occurs without thought. You didn't have to do anything special to remember the information. The information was already there wasn't it? You just remembered it without any effort. So, given that we now know this method works, the real question is what do you need to do to apply this method to your studies? Let's look at some basic examples.
In economics you learn about trends. Trends impact purchase power of individuals. Purchase power impacts your ability to go and that new pair of shoes you really want. So, does it make it easier to understand economic trends when you understand how it impacts you?
What about learning about different cultures, beliefs and customs than yours? If you were to think about your own culture, beliefs and customs then you can easily compare the two to each other. Now, if you compare them to yourself you will remember them wont you?
What about names and dates? Well they're easy to remember when given the right context. Do the names mean anything to you? Do you know anyone who has the same name? Does the name remind you of anything you like or dislike? Do you like or hate the name? What about the dates. Do the dates relate to you in any way? Did anything significant happen to you on or around the dates? Did anything else happen to you (or even anyone you know) around that date that could trigger a memory? It should also be noted that you can just make up fake reasons to remember the details (such as, "Oh yes on that date I was riding a flying pig all the way to the moon") and it will still help you remember it. Why? If you create the memory trace in your mind, your memory recall doesn't know the difference; it just knows it's all about you!
Remember, it's all about you! The more you tie something to yourself and make it about you the easier it will be for your memory to create the traces needed to make memory recall a breeze. Try it for a week. You will be glad you did!
But how many students actually take the time to understand how their memory works? We'd all love a brilliant memory but we spend very little time (if any) using the techniques that make this possible. Don't you ever wonder why you can remember lots of seemingly useless information but when it comes time to recall all that information you learnt in science class during the year you can't remember a thing?
The reality is that our memory is perfect in design and it operates exactly as it should. The real issue is that we don't spend any time getting to know our memory and finding out what we can do to help it remember with precision.
For one reason or another, we all seem to think that by constantly repeating information to ourselves we will imprint the information into our memory. This works occasionally, but it's clearly not the best approach and it usually indicates that we don't understand our memory at all.
Accessing the amazing power of your memory is about understanding how it works and then using that information to ensure you can remember whatever you want to remember.
In this article we are going to look at one of many possible approaches you can use to improve your memory recall. It's called the "What's in it for me" approach. This approach tells us that the more you can tie something to yourself, the better you will be able to remember it.
It's a simple idea with a simple execution. Your memory will create more memory traces, which in turn increases your memory recall, when it knows that what you are trying to remember is important to you in some way. And how does it know that? Well, it's when it's all about you.
The fact is, if something seems important to you personally, you will be more likely to remember it - and you'll also remember it more vividly and in far greater detail.
It makes sense doesn't it? You remember things that impact you. You remember to buy a ticket to see that band you like. You remember the number of the bus you need to catch today. You remember the names of those people whose names you wouldn't dare forget. You remember exactly what that girl or guy you like said to you the first time you met. The point is, when it impacts you and it's important to you, you remember it.
This recall doesn't happen consciously - it all occurs without thought. You didn't have to do anything special to remember the information. The information was already there wasn't it? You just remembered it without any effort. So, given that we now know this method works, the real question is what do you need to do to apply this method to your studies? Let's look at some basic examples.
In economics you learn about trends. Trends impact purchase power of individuals. Purchase power impacts your ability to go and that new pair of shoes you really want. So, does it make it easier to understand economic trends when you understand how it impacts you?
What about learning about different cultures, beliefs and customs than yours? If you were to think about your own culture, beliefs and customs then you can easily compare the two to each other. Now, if you compare them to yourself you will remember them wont you?
What about names and dates? Well they're easy to remember when given the right context. Do the names mean anything to you? Do you know anyone who has the same name? Does the name remind you of anything you like or dislike? Do you like or hate the name? What about the dates. Do the dates relate to you in any way? Did anything significant happen to you on or around the dates? Did anything else happen to you (or even anyone you know) around that date that could trigger a memory? It should also be noted that you can just make up fake reasons to remember the details (such as, "Oh yes on that date I was riding a flying pig all the way to the moon") and it will still help you remember it. Why? If you create the memory trace in your mind, your memory recall doesn't know the difference; it just knows it's all about you!
Remember, it's all about you! The more you tie something to yourself and make it about you the easier it will be for your memory to create the traces needed to make memory recall a breeze. Try it for a week. You will be glad you did!
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HelpMeToStudy.org is the premier resource for learning new study skills, transforming your study habits and finding the best study tips available. We will help change the way you think about study - and even better - we will show you how to study effectively: How To Study Effectively | Memory Training
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